Conor Oberst‘s wordy, angst-filled songs, delivered in a taut, quavering voice, have touched so many kids that he’s put Omaha on the map and helped turn Saddle Creek into a dynamo indie label.

In preparation for his long-awaited new album, The People’s Key slated for release on February 15th, Bright Eyes has unleashed two song, his first single “Shell Games,” and “Haile Selassi.” Download both songs, plus find out what you can get when you buy it through iTunes!

Produced by band member Mike Mogis and engineered by Andy LeMaster critics are already calling the album “the best thing singer Conor Oberst has ever recorded.”

Along with the free download Saddle Creek are offering the album for pre-sale via their site. The album is available in various packages with additional tracks. Those purchasing via iTunes will receive the non-album track “Singularity” and those purchasing certain packages direct from Saddle Creek will receive “Singularity” plus another bonus track “In The Real World”.